BALBIRNIE & LITTLE RETURN TO LEINSTER LIGHTNING SQUAD

Having started the season with 2 wins from 2, the Leinster Lightning welcome two of their core squad back into the fold ahead of a trip to face the Northern Knights on Sunday 16th May.

Andrew Balbirnie has returned to training with his teammates having completed quarantine since returning from Glamorgan. Josh Little meanwhile has recovered from an elbow injury to regain his place in the squad.

With opening day player of the match, Jamie Grassi, retaining his place in the matchday squad, despite the return of Ireland captain Balbirnie, it is JJ Garth and James Newland who step out of the squad that faced the Northern Knights in the home fixture just ten days ago.

“It’s pleasing to have two from two on the board already,” says Head Coach Nigel Jones. “There’s been some really pleasing parts to our play, and we’ll be looking to push on in a couple of areas we’ve identified out of those initial fixtures. We know where we need to improve.”

“We’re looking forward to welcoming both Josh (Little) and Bal (Balbirnie) into competitive action. Josh has been very impressive this week at training, while Bal, well we know the quality he will bring to the group. We’re looking forward to welcoming them both back for Sunday’s fixture and putting in another strong performance.”

There is one possible question mark with Barry McCarthy due to undertake a final fitness test on Friday having missed the Ireland Wolves games during the week, despite being named in that squad. McCarthy is expected to be fit to take his place on Sunday, after two stellar performances against the Knights and Warriors on his home ground of Pembroke CC.

Leinster Lightning continue their IP50 campaign with a first away trip of the season to play the Northern Knights on Sunday 16th May at 10.45am.

Coverage of the game will be brought via the @cricketleinster twitter account and via the livestream production - details on the day.

Leinster Lightning is now sponsored by LHW Financial Planning whose logo will appear on the new playing kit and on advertising boards around the boundary at Pembroke CC- the support of LHW Financial Planning is hugely appreciated by players, management and fans alike.

Leinster Lightning Squad

Sunday 16th May

North Down CC - 10.45am

• George Dockrell (Capt) – Phoenix
• Lorcan Tucker (V/C) – Pembroke
• Andrew Balbirnie – Pembroke
• Peter Chase – Malahide
• Jamie Grassi – Phoenix
• Josh Little – Pembroke
• Barry McCarthy – Pembroke
• Kevin O’Brien – Railway Union
• David O’Halloran – Malahide
• Simi Singh – YMCA
• Jack Tector – YMCA
• Tim Tector – YMCA
• Nigel Jones – Head Coach
• Brían O’Rourke – Assistant Coach